Kent’s Community Engagement Center expands services

Catholic Community Services of Western Washington displayed expanded services at its Community Engagement Center in downtown Kent during a recent open house.

Crews installed showers, laundry services and a kitchenette with a partnership of MultiCare Community Partnership Fund, the Employees Community Fund of Boeing Puget Sound and the help of SMR Architects, the Connections Advisory Group and Pioneer Human Services.

The center, 1229 W. Smith St., opened in November 2015 to provide a safe and welcoming environment for people experiencing homelessness or on the verge of losing their housing.

Service providers such as HealthPoint, Valley Cities Counseling, CCS Shelter Staff, King County Mobile Medical Van and Sound Mental Health are consistently onsite to either connect with clients or introduce themselves to those in need.

The center is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, with additional funding support from the city of Kent and King County.

Kent Mayor Dana Ralph and King County Councilman Dave Upthegrove were part of the tour at the June 21 open house.

People listen to details about the expanded services during an open house in June at the Community Engagement Center in downtown Kent to serve the homeless. COURTESY PHOTO, Catholic Community Services